Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sure many councillors made decisions not to run again based on the issues the Senator raised and which I have likewise raised over the years. The Senator also referred to the insurance sector, an issue on which I have often spoken in the House.

I have responded to Senator Conway-Walsh's point and, as I said, I share her frustration regarding the failure to approve Spinraza. I received the same text Senator Ó Ríordáin did. I have given my view on this issue several times in the House.

Regarding the shooting in Donaghmede, I share the Senator's concerns that such an event should occur in our constituency. It is an issue that warrants a wider debate and I hope we can facilitate it in the near future.

Senator Murnane O'Connor referred to respite services, an issue on which she has clearly done a great deal of work. Communication is key in such matters and it further frustrates families when they are not told what is going on regarding provision. Lack of information makes a stressful situation even more so. I will relay her comments to the Minister for Health.

Senator Mulherin raised the €20 million repair scheme to assist homeowners in Mayo and Donegal whose properties are affected by pyrite and mica. As she noted, there is now a clear pathway for people to address the problem. She has championed that issue for some time.

Senator Ó Donnghaile referred to the Ballymurphy families, an issue he has been raising for some time. There are questionable legal and criminal justice aspects of the relevant inquiry. I agree that it is an issue in which we all should take an interest.

I have alluded to the issue raised by Senator Hopkins regarding St. Teresa's special needs school. A short-term solution is needed. The Senator might table a Commencement matter to get a direct answer from the Minister.

Senator Humphreys referred to Rehab and called for a debate with the Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for disability services. A debate on this and related issues would be useful. The Senator also referred to apartment owners and a scheme similar to that referred to by Senator Mulherin. Senator Humphreys has raised that issue several times and I agree that a debate would be timely.

I have responded to Senator McDowell's questions on the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill and the insurance issue. I hope for his forbearance in terms of the time constraints we are facing in dealing with that Bill. We are willing to work with the Senator to allow as comprehensive a debate as possible while also ensuring we get the legislation through as soon as we can. We are willing to sit late to accommodate that, if Senators are amenable.

Senator Feighan spoke about several issues relating to Northern Ireland. The crux of many of the problems there is that Stormont is still not in session, which is difficult to comprehend. We will look to the leaders in both parts of the island and in Britain to sort that out as soon as possible.

We all commend Senator Colm Burke on his tenacity and fortitude in getting the Civil Law (Presumption of Death) Bill 2016, which is important legislation, to where it is. I have responded to the points he raised regarding the insurance industry.